CLIMATE CHANGE: ANY PROGRESS SO FAR?

We are witnessing rapid and drastic changes to our planet. Though we could safely say the earth is not near extinction, the same factors that could lead to its demise are already in place. Chief amongst them is climate change.

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, there has been increasing use of the earth’s resources. Factories of various kinds have sprung up in every nation of the world, manufacturing and various productive ventures go on by the second year-round.

While this technological and industrial advancement is a testament to the ingenuity and intelligence of man, it creates another problem — replenishing the earth. Our climate has taken the biggest hit since this revolution, and the spate of the impact of climate change must be slowed down at all costs. Mother earth is in dire need of a global rescue effort to maintain its temperature levels, reduce emissions, and create clean energy.

A warming planet does no good to nations, businesses, universities — anyone. On the contrary, it brings us to the brink of catastrophes of proportions no one can be able to handle.

It was on record that 2019 was the second warmest year yet and commemorated the end of the warmest decade on earth. We’ve shattered a record we should not have, which now impacts the planet in ways that call for concern.

According to Forbes, “A warming planet creates a wide range of risks for businesses, from disrupted supply chains to rising insurance costs to labour challenges. Climate change and extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and fires, for example, have a direct impact on 70% of all economic sectors worldwide.”

How true!

This is why climate change awareness is at an all-time high; nations — from Africa, Europe, Asia — have risen to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gases by adopting technology that impacts very little on the environment.

The Climate Change Performance Index reveals that Denmark ranked highest in its activities towards climate protection while Sweden came second in the ranks. Sweden has the ambitious goal of reaching a net-zero emission level by 2045.

As recently as 2022, a Swedish-Kenyan company named Opibus introduced the first African-designed and manufactured electric bus in Kenya. This is the first of its kind in the nation that boasts over 53 million people.

The adoption of this technological innovation will lead to a reduction in the emission of CO2. And as more nations within Africa adopt this, the closer we get to the total removal of emissions that destroy the atmosphere. While this article is not a promotion for any company, it is worth mentioning a little; however, significant advancements and adjustments nations worldwide are making to combat climate change.

Swift actions must be taken, and if necessary global sanctions could be meted out to nations and multinational corporations who are not committed to this all-important sustainable development goal.

We have a planet to save for the coming generation. So we must do all we can to create more alternatives to fossil fuels, adopt clean energy sources, and green up as much as possible.